Britain’s two biggest stand-up comedians, Michael McIntyre and John Bishop, will front their own Christmas specials. And there will be festive editions of Not Going Out and Would I Lie to You?, starring ­comedian Lee Mack.

A BBC source said: “This is Charlotte Moore’s first original Christmas schedule and she was keen to stamp her mark on it.

"She is very keen on the BBC entering into the festive spirit and lightening the mood. We want to appeal to the whole family and leave them with a happy feeling. Christmas should be a time of fun.”